Commentary on the Gospel of
Lectio Divina
Read: We are presented with the classic stories of “Akedah” (the sacrifice of Isaac) on Mount Moriah and the transfiguration of Christ on Mount Tabor. Both the stories deal with the theme of “son.” Paul invites us to reflect on the depths of God’s love that seeks to make us all his beloved children through his Son, Jesus.
Reflect: Did God really ask Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac? Most probably He didn’t. For the god who asks Abraham to offer up his only son is the Canaanite god – the narrative uses the word Elohim for this pantheon of gods. But the god who intervenes and prevents the sacrifice is Yahweh, the One True God. In all likelihood, Abraham, who lived among the Canaanites and was familiar with their practice of offering up children to their gods, might have been convinced that he also must do so even if Isaac was the child of the promise. Such was his trust in and love of God, which might have gladdened the One True God who saw the reflection of His own heart in Abraham – a heart that would give up anything for the sake of love.
Pray: Thank you, Lord, for loving me to the point of giving up your own Son for me.
Act: Spend some 20 minutes listening to Christ, God’s beloved Son, talking to you of his Father’s love for you.
